Gear

Jim

 If by 'cleaning rod' you mean a wire cable that runs down the inside of the fuel pipe and the pre-heater loop (and which can be used to displace the dirt that can accumulate inside) then I think: YES, it MUST be left in there for the stove to work properly. If it isn't, then I would expect fuel not to vapourise properly, and you will get the enormous yellow flames you describe.

Note: I do not have experience with Primus MF, only with MSR multi-fuel stoves, but I would expect them to operate similarly.

John

My Primmie ism't an Eta MF but the old MFS, but the cleaning rod does indeed live inside the fuel pipe.

Pete.

Hi Jim.

 I thought I would respond on behalf of the UK distributors for Primus for whom I work. After reading your thread I have tested my 2 EtaPower MF's at home this morning, running them on Paraffin, Unleaded and White Gas and have achieved a clean blue flame with both stoves with all 3 fuel types.

There are a few reasons why you may not be able to get a blue flame. Diesel is the one fuel type not compatible with the EtaPower MF and you will not achieve a blue flame with it (just a very black stove). Dirt in the fuel line may also be the cause and I would recommend cleaning the fuel line and preheat tube (making sure to leave the cleaning wire in place afterwards) and try again. It is also vital to have the correct jet nipple fitted for the fuel type you are using (sorry to point out the obvious but I want to cover all the bases). 

 If you are still struggling to achieve the blue flame and it is within warranty it may be worth returning it to your retailer. They can then send it on to us for a check over. If it is out of warranty or bought second hand I can recommend a service agent who knows pretty much everything about Primus stoves.

 Hope that this helps but please thread more if you need further info.